Teammates in ministry Hess, Pruner headed to West Coast for church trip

Dusty Sloan Published: May 31, 2006 12:00 AM

By DUSTY SLOANT-G Sports EditorFriendly foes on the basketball floor and the baseball field, Mapletons Zac Hess and Crestviews Kory Pruner are teaming up this summer for something more important than the final score.From June 13 to July 28, Hess and Pruner will embark on a summer ministry trip that will take them along the United States West Coast. The trip is through Southview Grace Brethren Church, as well as a national program called Operation Barnabas, a ministry of CE National.Operation Barnabas Web site says teams are developed to give growing Christian senior high youth such a thirst for ministry, that upon their return, they will have a greater desire to serve Christ in their lives.For Hess and Pruner, their trip will involve visiting a church for a couple days, helping out with labor or whatever else is needed, then go on to another church.Were both a little bit nervous, because we dont know totally what were getting into, said Hess. It will be fun.Added Pruner, Its an opportunity to build on our leadership and build relationships with kids throughout the country.The two area student-athletes relationship goes well beyond the times when the Cougars and the Mounties play basketball or baseball twice a year. Hess and Pruner have known each other since they were kids because of Southview GBC.Its always kind of fun to be able to talk to each other while were out there, Hess said of their athletic meetings. Pruner said both of them would talk at first base Pruner playing it and Hess occupying it during baseball season.Mark Abel, youth pastor at Southview GBC, knows how much of a sacrifice Hess and Pruner are making to go on a trip such as this. Hess is going to Grace College in the fall, and will look to be involved with the mens basketball team in some capacity. Pruner will be a senior at Crestview, and plays soccer, basketball and baseball for the Cougars.Theres certain kids that go that their summers are pretty wide open, Abel said. He (Hess) is giving up his senior summer. Korys a junior, going to be a senior. Hes making a sacrifice there. Its not like you have two guys who are sitting around doing nothing.If a student is interested, theyll research it. Youre basically giving up your whole summer.And both Hess and Pruner know they will join other teens who are in the same situation.Ive talked on the Internet to kids who are going, and they are busy with sports, too, said Pruner.And one of the things both Hess and Pruner will miss this summer will be the churchs annual Wifflefest tournament, set for June 30-July 4. Both were part of the winning high school team in last summers tournament.Thats probably the one thing Ill miss the most, besides family, Pruner said.Abel said there is a process potential Operation Barnabas trip takers go through, including applications, references and showing involvement in youth groups and school activities.The cost of the trip for Hess and Pruner is $3,300, and was paid for by friends, family, Southview GBC and work service at the church.n Contact Dusty Sloan, sports editor, at 419-281-0581, ext. 244, or dsloan@times-gazette.com.